ADDiTEC made its debut at Formnext 2023, showcasing its Liquid Metal Jetting technology following the acquisition of Elem Additive from Xerox earlier in the year. The company’s new Hybrid 3 system was launched at the show, which includes Laser Directed Energy Deposition technology and CNC machining.

During the event, TCT visited the ADDiTEC booth to examine the technology more closely. Sriram Manoharan, R&D Program Manager at ADDiTEC, explained how the Liquid Metal Jetting process works. He stated that it involves welding wire into a crucible with an induction heating mechanism to melt the wire. Electromagnetic forces then generate a pulse, which produces droplets. This process offers high-resolution parts.

Manoharan also discussed the benefits of Laser Directed Energy Deposition technology, which provides high deposition rates. He mentioned that combining these two technologies offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a geometric advantage, allowing for high-deposition infills with laser wire DED and high-resolution perimeters with liquid metal jetting. Additionally, a CNC operation can be used for surface finishing.